IITG, Assam Govt launch symposium to drive indigenous healthcare innovation in NE

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 9, 2024

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) hosted a symposium on November 8, focused on advancing healthcare innovation in the Northeast, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative. Organized by the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII)—a joint effort between the Assam government and IIT Guwahati—the event marked a crucial step towards fostering self-reliant healthcare solutions.

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota inaugurated the event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare sector through indigenous innovation. He praised the collaboration between IIT Guwahati, the Assam government, and healthcare professionals as a pioneering model that bridges engineering and medical disciplines to tackle healthcare challenges and enhance local development.

Kota said, “It is an honour to join this inaugural symposium at IIT Guwahati, a unique and bold step for Assam and the nation. By bridging the gap between medical and engineering disciplines, IIT Guwahati and the Assam government are pioneering a model that unites academia, government, and healthcare professionals. This initiative leverages Assam’s resources and vision to address healthcare challenges and lay a foundation for indigenous innovation.”

“The growth of institutions like IIT Guwahati and AIIMS is transformative, signaling a powerful partnership with the state government that will drive regional development and healthcare resilience,” Kota said.

Supporting the initiative, IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal highlighted the establishment of the AAHII campus, which will include a 400-bed super-specialty hospital, cutting-edge research labs, and residential facilities. This campus aims to reduce import dependency by producing indigenous medical technology, lower treatment costs, and make healthcare more accessible.

Prof. Ashok K. Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati, expressed AIIMS’ commitment to supporting AAHII’s vision of “Design in India, Design for the World.” U.S.-based cardiologist Dr. Naba Goswami, also present, emphasized the importance of industry-academia partnerships in addressing rural healthcare challenges in India.

Since its establishment in 2022, the Assam Government IIT Guwahati Healthcare Foundation (AGIHF) has facilitated partnerships with industry to advance healthcare technologies. The upcoming AAHII campus will feature six centers of excellence focused on stem cell research, digital health, therapeutics, precision medicine, robotics, and affordable diagnostics. The super-specialty hospital will offer advanced treatments, such as robotic surgery, gene therapy, and neurosurgery, addressing key healthcare needs across Assam and the Northeast.

Prominent IIT Guwahati researchers, including Prof. Biman Mandal and Prof. S.S. Ghosh, presented their work, demonstrating the potential for collaborative innovations that cater to India’s healthcare landscape. This symposium underscored a shared vision of healthcare resilience, self-reliance, and accessibility for the nation.